As the environmental crisis intensifies, its effects are noticeable in every part of the world. Increases in temperature, severe weather events, lack of water, and threats to food supply are altering how people live and operate. Yet, these changes are not equally felt by everyone. Globally, women and girls—particularly in low-income and remote regions—are more heavily impacted by the outcomes of climate change. This growing gap highlights how environmental harm can worsen current gender disparities and impede the advancement towards a fairer future.
Climate change does not happen in isolation; it affects current social, economic, and political frameworks. In numerous communities, traditional gender roles put women at a disadvantage in terms of accessing resources, education, decision-making authority, and economic opportunities. As climate-related disasters grow in frequency and intensity, these vulnerabilities are amplified, providing women and girls with fewer means to adjust and recover.
In areas where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood, the effects of climate change on different genders are notably evident. Women constitute a large part of the farming labor force in developing nations, but they frequently do not have legal rights to own land and have restricted access to financial resources, irrigation systems, or advanced agricultural methods. When adverse conditions like droughts, floods, or altered rainfall reduce crop production, women in farming generally encounter more difficulties than men in recovering productivity or finding new revenue sources.
Furthermore, as environmental pressures grow, duties within families often change—typically adding more strain on women and girls. In numerous communities, they are mainly responsible for gathering water, firewood, and food. As these resources become less accessible because of ecosystem deterioration, women have to journey further and dedicate more time to fundamental survival activities, cutting down the time they can spend on education, employment, or political involvement. In certain instances, girls are taken out of school entirely to assist with these mounting household responsibilities.
Climate-induced displacement further compounds these challenges. When families are forced to migrate due to natural disasters, rising sea levels, or resource shortages, women and girls often face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. The breakdown of social networks and the lack of legal protections in temporary settlements or refugee camps leave them vulnerable and frequently excluded from relief planning and distribution of aid.
The health sector is another domain where the overlap between gender and climate is increasingly prominent. Events linked to the climate, such as extreme heat, natural calamities, and food insecurity, significantly impact maternal health, nutrition, and access to crucial healthcare services. Expectant mothers face a higher risk of complications during periods of intense heat, while poor nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood can result in long-lasting developmental impacts. Additionally, women frequently shoulder the burden of looking after ill family members, particularly in areas with inadequate medical facilities.
Although they face various challenges, women are not merely passive sufferers of the climate crisis. Worldwide, they are spearheading grassroots initiatives to safeguard ecosystems, encourage sustainability, and enhance climate resilience. In regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, cooperatives led by women and indigenous communities are revitalizing forests, preserving water sources, and adopting climate-adaptive agricultural techniques. These community efforts highlight that women’s leadership is crucial for successful environmental action, yet they frequently lack the necessary funding, visibility, and policy backing to expand their influence.
Climate policy at the national and international levels still too often fails to consider gendered perspectives. Programs designed to mitigate emissions or promote renewable energy may inadvertently exclude women if they don’t address structural inequalities—such as lack of access to land titles, credit, or technical training. Gender-responsive climate strategies are essential to ensure that policies are inclusive, equitable, and effective in reaching the populations most in need.
The United Nations has increasingly emphasized the importance of integrating gender considerations into climate action. The Paris Agreement explicitly calls for gender equality and women’s empowerment in addressing climate change. Likewise, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has developed gender action plans to guide countries in making climate policies more inclusive. However, implementation remains uneven, and real progress depends on the political will of individual governments and institutions.
Education and capacity-building are key components of any long-term solution. Empowering girls with access to quality education equips them with the knowledge and tools to participate in climate decision-making, pursue careers in environmental science, and advocate for sustainable practices in their communities. At the same time, involving women in local governance and climate adaptation planning helps ensure that policies address the specific needs of diverse populations.
Private sector involvement also plays a role in shifting the dynamic. Green technologies, clean energy initiatives, and sustainable development projects can be designed to include women as leaders, workers, and beneficiaries. Programs that provide microfinance, vocational training, or entrepreneurship support specifically for women can help close the economic gap exacerbated by climate change.
The increasing recognition of the link between climate change and gender inequality provides a chance for comprehensive and inclusive solutions. By understanding and responding to the distinct effects of climate on men and women, policymakers and advocates can craft approaches that enhance resilience, safeguard human rights, and advance gender equality.
The issue of climate change extends beyond the environment, encompassing significant social dimensions. If we do not make a conscious effort to tackle gender imbalances, the consequences of climate change could exacerbate existing inequalities. However, by prioritizing gender equality in climate initiatives, the international community can work towards establishing societies that are just, resilient, and sustainable for everyone.
